Chapter 2: I.2 Mother
The crisp mountain air filled their lungs as Hannes and Maria embarked on their arduous journey towards Montagna. The sun shone brightly overhead, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor. Maria took the lead, her confident strides displaying an intimate familiarity with the terrain. Her ample bosom swayed gently, undeterred by the steep incline.
Hannes followed close behind, his eyes occasionally drifting to Maria's voluptuous silhouette. He felt both captivated by her beauty and guilt-ridden for his lingering gaze.
But he couldn't deny it - there was something deeply mysterious and intriguing about her breasts.
As they moved forward on the trail, Maria continued to talk about the Montagnari's ancient traditions, sharing stories about her people's unique bond with the Divine Mother. Hannes listened intently, trying to assimilate this extraordinary information while simultaneously battling with his inner thoughts about Maria.
Every time Maria turned around to address him, her large bosoms would bounce just enough to catch Hannes' eye, and each time it did, he felt his cheeks heat up.
He tried to refocus his gaze elsewhere, but the soft thuds of her breasts against her blouse seemed to echo in his ears, drawing him in like a drug.
Maria, noticing his frequent gaze towards her bosom, felt a mix of curiosity and apprehension creeping up. "Hannes," she asked gently, curiosity lacing her voice, "I can sense you contemplating something about my body. Would you care to share it with me?"
Hannes hesitated for a moment, gathering his thoughts. He had never shared this with anyone before.
But as Maria stood there, eyes filled with genuine curiosity and understanding, it felt like the right opportunity to be truthful. "Maria," Hannes began hesitantly, "I hope this doesn't sound judgmental or improper, but have you noticed my recurring gaze at your...bosom?"
He struggled to find the right words, unsure of the etiquette in this uniquely strange situation. Maria softly chuckled, her eyes filled with a playful sparkle as she nodded her understanding. "Yes, Hannes, I have noticed.
And I assure you that you need not worry about any impropriety in your gaze. I can sense your curiosity, and I am not offended." Maria's words put Hannes at rest, easing his guilt. It was liberating to have a conversation about a topic that he had never shared with another soul, and it reassured him of Maria's open-mindedness.
Hannes took a deep breath and continued, "I am fascinated by your ability to produce milk so freely and the abundance of it in your family. I've only ever seen breastmilk associated with nursing infants.
I can't help but be intrigued by its significance in your culture and the fact that, well, you seem to have so much of it."
Maria nodded, understanding his curiosity. "In our culture, breastmilk is revered as a sacred substance that nourishes life. As for the abundance of milk, my amounts are humble compared to those of some other women, especially those blessed with many children, including my mother." Maria said, her words causing a smile to spread across Hannes' face. "Indeed, it's fascinating to learn about such a different way of living. What truly amazes me is how your people so effortlessly integrate what we would consider a private bodily function into everyday life and even make it sacred."
Maria gave a slight nod of agreement. "Yes, that's what makes the Montagnari unique. We have preserved this gift of the Divine Mother, and she has bestowed upon us an extraordinary way of life.
Our daily existence revolves around breastmilk-based foods that are crafted with love and skill by our mothers and grandmothers. This, combined with our reverence for women's breasts and the Divine Mother, forms the very foundation of our society."
Hannes, looking fascinated, pulled out his field notebook and began writing down every detail Maria recounted. Maria noticed his eager scribbling and chuckled. "I'm glad you find it interesting, Hannes, but it's not something we can share with everyone.
You're the first outsider I've ever brought to our village. I trust you, and I think you deserve to learn more about our way of life."
Hannes looked at Maria with astonishment. "Thank you, Maria. I'm deeply grateful that you've decided to show me this part of your world. And I promise to keep your secret and respect your traditions. I won't abuse your trust."
Maria nodded with a soft smile.
"I have a feeling deep down that you will honor your word, Hannes. It's what makes you different from the others from the lowlands."
They continued to walk, hiking uphill, their pace slow but steady. Maria occasionally pointed to various herbs and plants that peppered the landscape, offering Hannes some insight into their uses. It pleased Maria to share her wealth of knowledge about the natural environment with someone who genuinely appreciated it.
"Be careful not to touch any of the foxgloves you may come across.
They can be fatal if ingested," explained Maria, motioning to the vibrant purple flowers that caught Hannes' attention. He jotted it down in his field notebook and thanked her for the wisdom she so freely shared.
The sun had begun to dip below the horizon, casting a warm, golden glow over the landscape. After several long hours of trekking through the dense, verdant forest, the air grew thinner and the trees began to thin out. The anticipation of what lay ahead was palpable. As the forest gradually receded, the first glimpses of the expansive mountaintop meadow appeared, like a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. The meadow stretched out before them, a vast expanse of emerald grasses swaying gently in the breeze. It was as if the world had been transformed into a painting, the colors more vibrant and the details more intricate than anything Hannes had ever seen before. In the distance, the silhouette of a village began to take shape. It was nestled between a few craggy hills, its ancient stone buildings blending seamlessly with the rugged terrain.
"It's breathtaking," Hannes murmured, his voice filled with awe and respect. They continued to hike up the last hill, which provided a panoramic view of the village.
He stood there, stunned, taking in the breathtaking sight before him. It was as if he had been transported to a different realm, a world that seemed to exist outside the confines of time. The air was thick with the scent of history, the air heavy with the weight of centuries. He could feel the earth beneath his feet, solid and unyielding, untouched by the machinery of modernity. The buildings around him were ancient, their stones worn smooth by the passage of time.
As they continued their descent, Hannes found himself becoming increasingly aware of the villagers who had stopped their daily tasks to observe his and Maria's approach. Each one of them, from the youngest child to the oldest elder, seemed to be drawn to the sight of the strangers making their way towards their humble settlement. Their faces were a fascinating study in emotions, a complex tapestry of curiosity, suspicion, and apprehension. Their eyes followed the pair like a swarm of bees. Hannes noticed the impressive chests of the women in the crowd. They came in all shades of big it seemed, but generally getting bigger the older the women got that he encountered.
The murmurs of hushed conversation floated towards Hannes and Maria, increasing in both volume and urgency. It was clear that their presence was of great interest to the community.
Hannes, feeling a sudden rush of discomfort, expressed his concern about being unwelcome. "Maria, I don't want to intrude on your village if my presence isn't desired."
Maria turned to face Hannes, placing a gentle hand on his arm. "Hannes, please don't worry. I brought you here for a reason, and I vouch for you. I trust that the people of Montagna will see the good in you and welcome you as I have."
As they drew closer to Maria's family home, the atmosphere shifted. The whispering and curious gazes of the villagers faded away, replaced by a hushed silence. The air seemed to crackle with tension, as if the entire community held its breath in anticipation.
As Maria and Hannes came closer to the house, Hannes' eyes were drawn to a woman sitting in the distance on the steps, obviously nursing a young boy around six years of age, on one of her colossal breasts which are resting heavily on her lap. The sight was startling even from afar, unlike anything he had ever witnessed.
Her bosom was significantly bigger than Maria's, whose own breasts seemed modest now in comparison. The woman's breasts were a sight to behold, and Hannes found himself transfixed by their sheer size and power.
Maria' s eyes widened slightly as she saw her mother nursing a child, her voice steady and strong. "Ah, Hannes... that' s my mother. She' s always been like that, always ready to feed her children whenever they need it." She smiled, her eyes shining with love and admiration.
Suddenly, the woman's gaze shifted from the boy she had been attending to, and she noticed Hannes and Maria making their way towards her from a distance. The woman's face, with its striking beauty, seemed to soften as she observed the pair, a hint of warmth and friendliness evident in her expression. Yet, there was also a trace of hesitation and caution in her eyes. Maria's mother, who had been nursing the child, quickly reacted to the sudden change in the situation. With a swift yet gentle motion, she carefully placed the her big heavy breast inside her dress and fastened the top securely. The mother then looked at the boy and, with a tender smile, sent him off to play inside the house, giving him a small wave as he scampered off. As the mother watched the child disappear into the house, her gaze returned to Hannes and Maria.
Maria and Hannes stood there, their gaze fixed on the imposing house that lay before them, Maria's mother sitting at the doorstep. The weight of the moment hung heavy in the air, and Hannes could feel his heart pounding with a mixture of excitement and nerves. Maria took a deep breath, and her voice, steady and strong, echoed through the silence. "Let us go and introduce ourselves," she said. "Remember, she only speaks Italian, but don't worry, just let me do the talking." With that, she took Hannes by the hand and led him towards her mother's house. As they walked, Maria could feel the anticipation building within her. She knew that this was a crucial step in their relationship, one that could either strengthen their bond or potentially weaken it. Hannes, too, seemed to sense the importance of this moment. He could feel the weight of it pressing down on him, and he knew that the outcome of this encounter would have a significant impact on their future together...if there ever was one. Hannes took another deep breath, steadying himself, and followed Maria towards her family's house. He could see the apprehension in Maria's eyes, and he knew that she was just as nervous as he was.
Maria's mother, a warm and welcoming woman, rose to her feet and greeted them with a smile, friendly yet cautiously. Maria's voice, steady and strong, introduced Hannes, a hint of vulnerability in her tone. "Mamma, questo è Hannes," she said.
Hannes scraped together the little pieces of Italian he had picked up and greeted her with a polite nod and a soft "Piacere di conoscerti" that felt too formal. He felt embarassed about his pronounciation, which at best had a horrible German accent and at worst must have been completely wrong and incomprehensible.
Maria' s mother looked at Hannes, her eyes widening slightly in surprise as she hears him speak her language.
They studied Hannes, taking in the sight of the stranger before her. She reached her hand out to him, and with a gentle smile and a matriarchal air about her, she said, "Piacere di conoscerti, sono la madre di Maria" gesturing to herself, her eyes shining with warmth and kindness but also a hint of scepticism. "Benvenuto, Hannes."
Hannes took a deep breath, attempting to push away the feelings of self-doubt that threatened to consume him. He knew that he needed to present himself as calm and collected, despite the swirling maelstrom of emotions that threatened to engulf him. With a determined nod, he squared his shoulders and stepped forward, extending his hand in a friendly gesture. "Benvenuto," he said warmly. "Come ti chiama, madre di Maria?" he asked, his eyes sparkling with genuine curiosity. A smile played on his lips as he awaited her response, his posture relaxed and confident, though he could feel his heart pounding in his chest.
Maria's mother looked at him quizzically for a moment, then grinned widely, revealing a set of perfectly white teeth. "Mi chiamo Isabella," she replied, her voice velvety and smoother than the finest silk. "Sono felice di averti qui a casa nostra." She gestures to the house, her voice warm and welcoming.
"Per favore, venite dentro. Sediamoci e beviamo una tisana."
Hannes, still feeling uneasy but trying to keep his anxiety at bay, nods and follows Maria and Isabella into the house. They make their way into the kitchen, where a kettle filled with water is already boiling on the stove.
Despite her massive endowments Isabella moves gracefully around the kitchen, gathering cups and a tin of herbs from a shelf. She pours the hot water over the herbs in a teapot which she places, along with three cups, on the large wooden dinner table.
They move towards the table, where Maria and Isabella settle into their respective chairs as Hannes pulls one out for himself, sitting down slowly with a faint smile. The air is heavy with the sweet aroma of herbs, mingled with an undeniable sense of tension.
The warm atmosphere in the room makes Hannes increasingly uncomfortable as he struggles not to sweat through his shirt. His eyes bounce nervously between Maria and her mother, who's eyeing him with an apparent mixture of curiosity and suspicion; Isabella starts to lightly probe Hannes for information about himself and his intentions.
"Allora, Hannes... raccontami di te," she began, her hands gently wrapped around the steaming cup of herbal tea. "Sento che Maria ti ha preso in simpatia, e non capita tutti i giorni che porti un giovane a conoscermi. Mi dica, da dove viene? Quanto tempo intende rimanere qui?"
Her questions hung heavy in the air, and Hannes could feel his heart racing with each passing word. He glanced at Maria. "What did your mother say, Maria?" Hannes asked, looking over at his companion pleadingly. The language barrier was threatening to stifle the already-tense conversation.
"She asked where you come from, and how long you intend to stay here," replied Maria helpfully. The warmth in her eyes provided much-needed reassurance, allowing him to begin answering timidly.
'I'm from Berlin, Germany. I am a researcher, studying forest ecosystems. I came her on vacation to escape the noise of the big city and hike in the mountains. Unfortunately, it turned out that I am better at studying forests than navigating them. I got lost and had an accident, injuring my leg. Your daughter found me and took care of me and my wounds. If not for her, I would have very likely died. I am extremely grateful to your daughter.'
Maria translated Hannes' words for her mother.
Isabella scrutinized him intensely, her sharp gaze studying every minute detail. The intensity of her stare made Hannes squirm in his seat, a nervous twist settling in his stomach.
But there was something undeniably arousing about Isabella's boldness, the way her eyes seemed to pierce through his very soul, reaching deeper than anyone had ever dared to go before.
Isabella looked thoughtful for a moment before turning to her daughter: "Sei una persona gentile, proprio come ti ho cresciuta. Hai fatto bene ad aiutarlo. Tuttavia è contro le nostre usanze portare uno straniero nelle nostre terre. Dovresti saperlo." Isabella reproached Maria gently, her voice laced with a subtle mixture of disappointment and concern. Maria lowered her gaze, acknowledging her mother's concerns while still feeling compelled to stand by her actions. "Mamma, lo so", she conceded, looking at her mother with remorse in her eyes. "Ma non potevo lasciarlo solo nel bosco".
Hannes squirmed as he felt the weight of the two women's attention on him. He did not understand their words but he sensed their meaning. He felt intrusive and ashamed for bring about this conflict between mother and daughter.
Maria speaks up, her voice more confident and pleading now. "Mamma, puoi fidarti di me: Hannes non è un estraneo. Ho avuto modo di conoscerlo bene. Sarà anche tedesco, ma incarna lo spirito dei Montagnari, credetemi." Maria pledged solemnly. Isabella regarded her daughter for several moments before issuing a soft but firm nod, the sternness in her eyes softened. Turning to Hannes, she spoke warmly, "Hai fortuna ad avere mia figlia dalla tua parte, Hannes. È la migliore di noi tre."
Maria's eyes welled up with tears, touched by her mother's praise. The warmth and love in the room began to loosen the tension that had permeated the conversation just moments before.
Hannes feels uncomfortable, not fully understanding what's going on between the two women. He looks questioningly at Maria.
"What did your mother say?"
Maria smiles reassuringly as she translates. "She said you're lucky to have me fighting for you, Hannes."
Isabella looks at Hannes with a warmer gaze, her earlier apprehension melting away. With a sly smile on her face, she asks Maria a question. "Ma sono curioso, figlia mia. Cosa ti fa pensare che lui incarni lo spirito dei Montagnari?" Isabella asked curiously, her eyes never leaving Hannes. Maria thought for a moment, carefully considering how to respond to her mother's question. "Beh, mamma, Hannes ha qualcosa di speciale. Forse viene da un altro posto, ma ha una comprensione intuitiva della nostra storia, dei nostri valori. Pensa come noi. Ed è devoto alla Madre Divina, consapevole della sua presenza viva. Non è una coincidenza che ci siamo trovati, lo so."
Hannes interrupts, feeling too much out of the loop by now. "Maria, what did you say?"
Hannes inquired, curiosity piquing.
"I explained to my mother that you embody the spirit of the Montagnari," Maria explained, her eyes casting a steely gaze towards Hannes. "You have an intuitive understanding of our history, our values. You think like us. And you recognize the presence of the Divine Mother, understanding it to be alive."
Hannes looked taken aback, unsure of what to make of Maria's words.
Maria turns back to her mother and continues. "Credo sia un segno del destino. Una persona come lui appartiene a questo villaggio. Il suo amore per la natura e la sua passione per la Madre Divina non possono essere solo una coincidenza. Sento quanto si avvicini ai nostri valori e a quelli del villaggio.", Maria concluded passionately, her words finally starting to flow with such clarity.
She turned to Hannes, translating what she just said. "I told my mother that I believe your arrival was a signs of destiny, Hannes. The way you see the nature and revere the Divine Mother is extraordinary. You understand and resonate with the values of our village."
Hannes felt his face heat up, and his palms grew sweaty. The intensity of Maria's words made him feel vulnerable and exposed, even more so when Isabella smiled knowingly at him. Her unwavering gaze seemed to look straight through him, tearing down all his defenses.
She leaned forward, placing her elbow on the table, her breasts spilling over it in a manner that leaves him at a loss for words. Her fingers toyed with the rim of her cup, in a slow, deliberate motion as she studied him with renewed interest.
Hannes felt a strange electricity in the air. He could feel Maria's eyes on him, and the combination of her mother's scrutiny and Maria's warmth filled the room with a strange mix of tension and excitement.
Isabella leaned back in her chair, her eyes still on Hannes, her hand tracing his forearm standing out prominently in the dim light. Hannes felt that gaze on his skin and felt a shiver run down his spine, sending electricity coursing through his body.
"Mia cara, capisco cosa ti attira di quest'uomo e sento la verità nelle tue parole. Sono felice di accogliere quest'uomo nella nostra casa e spero che anche tuo padre lo faccia con il tempo. Tuttavia, come dovresti sapere, non sono nella posizione di andare contro la volontà del nostro anziano Maoro. È un tradizionalista e non si lascerà influenzare facilmente come me. Ho paura."
Maria's face fell as she absorbed her mother's words, feeling a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach. Isabella sat there, her eyes unwavering as she looked at first Maria, then Hannes.
Maria felt Hannes' questioning gaze. She turned to him to translate.
"My mother said she understands what attracts me to you and she can sense the truth in my words. She is happy to welcome you into our home and hopes that even my father will come to accept you in time. However, she is not in a position to go against the wishes of our village elder, Maestro. He's traditional and won't easily be swayed. Rumour has it that he opposes strongly any contact with outsiders."
The room felt tense, the air heavy with unspoken emotions.
Maria's mother looked at Hannes with a renewed curiosity, her eyes alight with intrigue.
"Bene, Hannes," she said, her voice a velvety purr. "Credo che tu abbia fatto una buona impressione su mia figlia. Parla molto bene di lei e capisco perché".
Her words brought a rosy glow to Maria's cheeks, a soft smile playing on her lips.
Hannes could feel the energy in the room growing even more charged, and as he glanced at Isabella, still sitting across from him at the table, he couldn't help but feel as if there was a hidden desire burning in her eyes. A desire that resonated with a hidden longing within himself.
He stared at her breasts spilling over the table, her nipples hardening in the cold air, and he felt his breath hitch. "What did she say?" He asked Maria, his shaky voice betraying his tense excitement.
Maria looked at him with a coy smile, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes. "She said she thinks you made a good impression on her, Hannes," Maria translated. "She can see why I like you."
Hannes felt his cheeks warm at her words, his heart galloping at the implications. He stared into Maria's eyes, searching for any hint of doubt or trepidation. But instead, all he could find was openness and relief.
For a moment, their eyes locked, and Hannes felt the magnetic pull of desire between them. He couldn't help but imagine how it would feel to touch the supple curves of Maria's breasts, to feel the weight of her milk-filled globes in his hands, taste her nipples and see if they tasted as sweet as he imagined.
Isabella noticed the shift in Hannes's posture, the way his eyes widened with infatuation as they traced the curves of her daughter's chest.
She took a sip from her cup, savoring the hot tea as she studied the stranger. He was a curious specimen, with a tall, lean frame, warm greenish-brown eyes, and a meaningless short beard. But there was an undeniable charm to him.
Isabella broke her gaze at Hannes, pushed her chair away from the table and rose. "Bene, miei dolci bambini. Non voglio annoiarvi oltre. Sarete stanchi per il viaggio. Maria, perché non gli mostri la tua stanza e non ti riposi per ora? C'è ancora un po' di tempo prima che vostro padre torni dal campo." Isabella said, her voice dripping with a warm, soothing lilt.
Maria nodded in agreement, her eyes reflecting a deep gratitude as she stood as well. "Va bene mamma. Grazie. Vieni, Hannes."
Hannes rose slowly, savoring the lingering sight of Isabella.
A shiver of anticipation ran down his spine as Maria led him out of the room, her small hand wrapped tightly around his. A hushed silence filled the house as they ascended the wooden staircase to her bedroom.